Fishing Blog

One of the best ways to have a successful fishing trip is to use great technology to help you. That is what the Humminbird 947 has to offer. There are many reasons to have this great fishing gear and you will simply be in awe of how well it enables you to fish. It has some very cool features that will give you the best of the best in high quality imaginable. Here are some things to consider.

What makes this Humminbird ideal is its 3D imaging. Yes, it gives you a solid 3D image to give you a good idea of where you are and what’s going on below you. You’ll get dual frequency 83/455kHz sonar with high definition 3D imaging of the bottom. Why do you need this? It is important to get the best view that you can get and 3D sonar can give you a very clear picture as to what is happening. This makes your job easier. You get to see where the fish are hiding, search them out and not waste your time where there are no fish to be caught. It is a relatively easy finder to use which is nice because you don’t get caught up trying to figure the thing out. Instead, you get to use it right away, and get to benefit from it.

Let’s break this down some. By purchasing the Humminbird 947, the fisherman in all of us is enhanced. You can use the fishfinder to locate schools of fish, that lone big one, and even a sunken ship if you are lucky. Why purchase it? It is simple to see the advantages of all of these features, but when it comes right down to it, you get the highest level of ability to finding the elusive fish you are after. You save yourself time by skipping the waiting step in locating the fish. Instead, the Humminbird 947 gives you a clear picture, in three dimensions so that you can go after the fish where it is.

Recreation is an essential factor in the life of every human being. The anglers or the fishermen represent the largest single group of recreational seekers, and have a decided advantage over the other groups who utilize nature’s creatures and elements for recreation or food.

The popularity of fishing in many areas has been largely based upon the angling pressure, which is far beyond the normal capacity of the streams and lakes. There are species of fish for every type of angler and each one may choose the species of fish or the method of fishing that has the greatest personal appeal or attraction.

It is for this reason that many people are enticed to spend their vacation in a fishing activity. But, for people who would like to have planned fishing activities, they opt for fishing charters.

Fishing charter is one way of enjoying fishing even if an individual does not have the means or the equipment as far as fishing is concerned. It aims to provide the necessary services in a fishing activity.

However, not all fishing charters are created equal. Hence, it is important to know the factors required to be taken into account before jumping into conclusions.

Here is a list of some mportant factors that need to be considered:

1. The cost of the trip

Like any financial decision, people who would like to use fishing charter should know the required charges of the trip.

It is best to know the necessary requirements like deposits or contract agreements before committing to a fishing charter.

Best of all, people should be aware of the items they are paying for. They should know what the kinds of services included on the package are.

2. The length of time required in each charter trip.

Most captains are enticed to do a little fishing before going back to the dock. This will not pose a problem at all but if it will cost the person, who requested the service, additional charges for extra minutes or hours spent beyond the agreed number of hours, then, that is a problem.

Hence, it is important for the individual to know what time the charter will start and end.

3. The captain

It is important for a person who wants to engage in a fishing charter to know the competency and the skills of the captain. Hence, in order to have a successful fishing activity, it is best to get the experienced captain.

A fishing charter is one way of enjoying fishing at its best.

Before you attempt to catch fish, you need to find out where they are. Remember that fish are found nearly everywhere there is water with sufficient levels of food, oxygen, and cover. You are certain to be within a relatively close distance to a body of water that has fish living in it. For an angler, this is good news. They are there - now you have to find them!

All fish are different. Because of this, they do not all live in the same kind of waters. Fish tolerate different environmental conditions. Some of these include differing levels of salt, amounts of oxygen, types and amounts of food, water temperature, and hiding areas. The most distinguishing element of fish is salt. Some fish do not live in areas where there is a lot of salt.

On the other hand, some fish need salt to survive. There are also some types of fish that can live in both saltwater and freshwater. Freshwater ponds, reservoirs, and rivers contain significantly less salt than the ocean. North America has a majority of freshwater bodies. Some of the fish that you will find in these freshwater bodies are the bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, and bass. In contrast, many species of fish live in the ocean's salty water. Thanks to their kidneys, these fish are able to keep the proper balance of salt in their body. The more popular saltwater fish are the bluefish, cod, sea trout, tuna, and flounder.

Another factor that weighs heavily on where you will find certain fish is oxygen. All fish must have a certain level of oxygen to survive. Some fish, such as carp, survive on less oxygen than fish like trout. The living plants within a lake or stream directly affect the amount of oxygen in the water. They add oxygen to the water through photosynthesis. This process uses sunlight to make food. Oxygen also makes its way into water from the surrounding air. You will find certain fish in certain bodies of water based on what kind of food is there. It is based on the amount and type of food available in a setting. All fish need to eat, so the amount of competition with other fish is a factor that determines which fish will be in certain areas.

Fish prefer different water temperatures. Some fish are flexible. They have the ability to live in a wide range of temperatures. Other fish, however, need either cold or warm water to survive. Trout is an example of this. You will only find trout in cold water. Your best bet for finding a certain type of fish is to learn about the type of water it prefers. They are most often found in water that is close to their preferred temperature. We, as humans, can control one factor when it comes to where fish live. Water quality often determines where a fish will live and we have the means to ensure a high level of water quality. All fish must have water that has adequate levels of oxygen. Good-quality water will obviously support more species of fish than water that is polluted. Water that is stagnant, polluted, or lacking adequate oxygen simply cannot support a large group of fish.

While some fish, such as carp, live in water that is not very clean, most fish need a high quality of water in order to survive. Discovering the places where fish live is the first step to successful fishing. Several factors come into play when looking for a fish's habitat. Some of these are the levels of salt and oxygen found in water. Another factor is the temperature of the water. All fish are different. Because of this, it benefits you, the angler, to take the time necessary to find the bodies of water in which they live.

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Bass Fishing Boats in the following paragraphs. If there's at least one fact you didn't know before, imagine the difference it might make.

Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you're fully informed about Bass Fishing Boats, keep reading.

Bass fishing nowadays uses equipments influenced by the advanced technology invented by man. Once, the first sport fishers used wood fishing rods and live worms during the first bass fishing games. Now, bass fishing is becoming easier as the modern anglers use newly revolutionized aluminium fishing rods and plastic-made soft worm replicas.

Most of the important innovation that technical people made is the electronic and motor-driven type of bass fishing boats that are well suited for particular conditions. Moreover, these boats are now available in the market and online shops for you to choose the best equipment necessary to aid you in catching more fish and win the competition.

First thing to consider is the type of boat to use. Boat manufacturers designed the body specifications of their products based on the body of water where they will be utilized, the water level, and the water current. There are boats that have hulls designed in a V-shaped manner in combination shaped with wide beam and strong yet lightweight materials for a smoother and drier cruise of your boat in extremely shallow waters.

They also incorporate the angle of water to roll of the hull, thus reducing the hull noise made by splashing water that alerts fish. Modifications in the water line of the boat also reduce the possibility of spraying water from the sea or river to the floor of your boat, preventing it from possible sinking.

Next thing to consider is the driving power of the motor. There are new designs of specialized bass fishing boats available to help you pursue bass fishes that swim fast in moving water, like the lighter peacock fishes. These boats are equipped with an average of 15 to 25 horsepower motor.

Diesel-driven motors are also an advantage since it costs cheap and can load up to 30 litres of diesel. Also, propellers must be running with the water current, not against it so that the fuel will not be used entirely on pumping up the motor to its rated capacity.

Some sports fisher wants a fully furnished boat deck where they can occupy and direct the boat to its destination. They prefer having in-cockpit bench with cushion that can be folded down which provides them safety and at the same time greater convenience. In the cockpit itself, they prefer fewer controls for easy reference of the functions, like steering wheels, nautical mile meter and other controls that are used in night fishing activities.

The development of the sonar or the "sound navigation and ranging" and its integration in the bass fishing boat is one of the most applauded innovations. Sonar is a technique that usually uses sound propagation to navigate and detect other water vessels and other forms of life beneath the water.

It is very helpful on the part of the fisherman because most of the bass fishes are traced through this instrument. There is also sonar that is capable of detecting fish even at night time. When they already detected their prey, they start launching their baits in order to catch them.

As time pass by, expect more innovations and developments in the bass fishing boats. All of these are for one purpose--to help the anglers catch their prey in an easier and convenient way.

The first patterns many today consider as Classic Salmon Flies were introduced in the late 1700's. The flies were called the Peacock Fly and the Dragon Fly. In the nineteenth century what we today call works of art were made strictly for utilitarian purposes; they were tied to be fished. They were not tied to be mounted in a glass dome showcase or framed and hung on the office wall.

When the sport of Salmon Fishing became popular, England was a powerful colonial nation upon which the sun never set. Because of this, tiers of the Salmon Fly were able to obtain rare or exotic feathers with which to tie ever more colorful patterns to attract and catch the Atlantic salmon from the rivers of England, Ireland and Scotland. Feathers from birds such as the common Peacock from India, the gigantic Ostriches found in Africa, and the more exotic Jungle Cock of Africa, were becoming easier to obtain and tie with. Macaw, Tucan, and Cock-of-the-Rockfeathers from South America were becoming very popular on many patterns.

Today many of the feathers commonly used by tiers of yesterday are vary hard to find, and in some cases are even unobtainable. An example is the Great Bustard. The Great Bustard became extinct in Britain in 1832, and today the Great Bustard is a globally threatened species. Stricter import-export laws around the world are in place to protect other threatened species as well, making some materials illegal to own or even possess. Because of this, today we tie Classic Salmon Flies with a variety of substitute materials. Dyed and reshaped Ring Neck Pheasant neck feathers are used on many flies in place of Indian Crow (which, by the way, can cost you your first born to obtain if you are lucky enough to find them). Goose Shoulder feathers have taken the place of Swan feathers for Married Wings. In truth, the only difference between Swan and Goose feathers is that the barbs of the Swan feather are usually longer than those on the Goose feather, other than that it’s hard to tell a Goose feather from a Swan feather. Today, materials such as rayon are used in place of the finer silks used in the past from Japan. Silver and gold tinsel are made of Mylar and hooks are made on an assembly line, not by hand one at a time as in the past.

However, there are some tiers today that have stayed true to the traditions of the past. They use only the finest materials available (and in some cases, the rarest materials available) whenever possible, and they tie them on hooks still made by hand, one at a time. In a few cases, they tie them without the help of a vice used to hold the hook, which allows the tier to have both hands free while tying. Thanks to tiers such as Wolfgang von Melottke, Fabrizio Garadino and Kim Rassmussen, the art of the Salmon Fly will continue to flourish.

Many people have seen a Classic Salmon Fly tied by one of the master tiers of today and wished they had the artistic talent required to tie a Classic Salmon Fly, and there's good news for those people; artistic talent has little to do with tying a Classic Salmon Fly. All the aspects of tying a Classic Salmon Fly can be learned and no artistic talent is required, although it can't hurt. The advent of the Internet has made it possible for millions to view, fall in love with, and learn this unique style of fly tying. Modern technology has made a once exclusive hobby available to anyone who is interested, and gives them access to a very old, still thriving tradition that is sure to bring them many years of rewarding fly tying. So, do your homework and get started on one of the most fascinating hobbies you could ever be involved with; but I must warn you, tying the

Classic Salmon Fly can become an obsession. The more you tie the more interesting you will find the historic journey of the Classic Salmon Fly to be. What other hobby can connect the past with the future by tying materials on a hook in such an artistic way?

One of the biggest investments a fisherman will every make is the purchase of a fishing boat. Just like cars, fishing boats come in all shapes and sizes and varying levels of quality. To avoid buying a “lemon”, it is always advisable for the potential boat owner to educate themselves on the ins and outs of boat ownership.

All-Purpose Fishing Boats

These boats are intended for those who fish for just about everything. They can be made of aluminum, wood, or fiberglass and sizes usually range from 15 to 20 feet (4.5-6 meters) in length. Aluminum boats are generally the least expensive option available, with prices ranging from $1,500 up to about $25,500. Keep in mind that these prices are generally without a motor, which will have to be purchased separately.

Wooden boats are still being made, but they are difficult to find, and very hard to get. Used wooden fishing boats are readily available in the classifieds section of your newspaper or any number of places on the Internet. Maintenance is the big issue with wooden boats, as the wood is susceptible to dry rot and fungus, and so must be painted and kept in good shape at all times.

Fiberglass boats are probably the most widely used these days. There are many manufacturers and styles of fiberglass boats, and prices range from about $8,000 to $30,000 for a new boat.

A general purpose fishing boat will usually have spaces for fishing gear and several bench seats or pedestal style seats with backs. The driver's area will be very simple; some boats can be found that even use a steer-by-tiller layout. These boats are almost always outboard powered, and are usually trailerable. The capacity range for a general purpose fishing boat is 1-4 people.

Bass Boats

Bass boats are almost self-explanatory. They are purpose-built for getting to bass quickly. This is the sort of boat you see on those ESPN fishing tournament shows. Bass boats usually have larger outboard motors than the general-purpose boats and have much more storage space as well. Additionally, bass boats will have a full complement of fishing electronics such as depth and fish finders.

There are usually raised casting platforms in the bow of the boat, and quite often in the stern as well. There will usually be provisions for a trolling motor near this platform. Most bass fishing boats are made of fiberglass, but they can also be found in aluminum. Bass boats are usually between 16 and 25 feet in length, with prices ranging from approximately $10,000 to $30,000+. These boats can be trailered and are comfortable for up to 4 people.

Center-Console Fishing Boats

Because of their design, with the control station in the center of the boat, these boats allow for fishing from almost any place on the deck. Additionally, the center station allows for easy netting of fish. These boats are generally larger than the other two types, and usually have much larger engines, though still outboard as a general rule.

Because of their versatility and pricing, these boats have grown in popularity in recent years. Some of these boats even have small cabins and toilets. Some of the larger center-console design boats can even be used for offshore saltwater fishing. Center-console boats range in size from 16 to 35 feet in length and are generally trailerable. The larger varieties can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people. Prices for center-console boats range from around $15,000 up to over $60,000.

This article gives a general overview of some of the items to consider when shopping for a fishing boat. For more specific information, as well as suggestions on where to purchase a good fishing boat, be sure to visit Fishing Boat HQ

Bass fishing offers a wide range of ability and challenge for the beginner and the professional. There are several fish in the species line including bluegills, spotted bass, largemouth and rock bass. These are warm water bass. Others such as striped bass, white bass and white perch are a temperate bass. If you are heading out to catch some bass, your first and most important goal is to know where to find them.

Where You Have To Look For Bass

There are several locations that they like to call home. For one, look in your lakes. You can find a wide range of them in shallow lakes in the south. This is where you are likely to find your largemouth bass. Here, look in the weeds and in the reeds. But, you are likely not to find too many here. They enjoy eating algae and plankton which is not readily available in many lakes. Instead, look to the rivers. The water temperatures and the oxygen levels are just right in many rivers for the bass. You’ll need to look just outside the current’s direct flow. Look on the downstream side of rocks and fallen trees as this is where they enjoy hiding. To catch them, do some bottom and surface fishing.

A great place to find your bass is to look in streams. Here, you will find smallmouth bass in the cooler water of the streams especially just below the rapids. Look in the hiding places such as where erosion has made holes. Look where there are rocks or fallen limbs as well. Look below a dam especially on a hot day. You’ll find that they are never in direct current flow. Also, take a look at ponds. These are a source for smaller bass especially near the shore near fallen logs. Of course, look in the reeds. You can fish any of these locations at night for good results too.

Remember that bass are looking for prime conditions and will search them out. They are looking for just the right water temperature and water level. They will seek out locations with good food supply and the right sunlight.

As for bait, you’ll want to use a wide range of choices. In still fishing, go with night crawlers, insects and minnows. For bait casting and spinning, use artificial products, trolling with live bait or you can even fly fish for them. For lures, make sure to get at least a five and a half to seven foot rod and your line should be about six to ten pound test. For fly fishing, go with seven to nine feet in rod with a fast taper. You will also need a single action reel that has floating #7 to #9 line with a six to eight pound leader.

If you can, take someone skilled at bass fishing with you your first time out. You are likely to learn a lot. Talk to your local bait shop dealer to learn what bait will work well for your bass. Pick a variety of locations to fish and you’ll find success.

Spoons

Considered the most simple of all other lures, they got their name because they look like the head of a spoon. They act for the bait fish by doing a flickering and wobbling movement or action. Spoons are excellent for starters in lure fishing; easy to use and very affordable.

Spinners

The spinner is basically a blade wherein it does a rotating action on a spindle when being retrieved or taken back through the water as well as it gives off a flash as light is being reflected on the revolving blade, characterizing the bait fish’s scales and movements. This is a lure that is flexible because only can one verify and know the retrieve depth by the period or time frame one leaves before one starts a retrieve, one can also alter the speed of the revolving blade around the spindle, by either speeding up or slowing down one’s retrieve. For the Trout and Mullet, a smaller size is recommended, and a larger spinner with the pike liking, along with the treble hook in a red wool.

Surface lures

These lures are used on the water surface and considered to be the most explosively thrilling of all lures as one could actually see the fish taking the lure, and the anticipation and the expectation of one looking forward of the take is an exciting experience. The fish can be completely seen exiting the water when they send off at a surface lure. Since these lures are being retrieved on the surface of the water, they can be a good choice in areas that have a lot of weed.

Suspending plugs

Having neutral buoyancy and resistance, when the plug has dived or dropped to the required depth and left alone, it will continue on being suspended to that depth. For this reason, this type is perfect for pursuing your prey hidden near the weed beds, rocks or banks. When yanked in order to imitate life to the plug, it causes some crashing attack from your target.

Floating drivers

A necessity for all lure anglers, they cover a wide scope in diving depths; beginning from just beneath the surface up to fifteen feet or more. The diving depth is established on the point of view of the vane or fin to the body of the lure. The lesser the angle to the body of the lure the deeper it can dive. The shape as well as the size of the vane and the lures body contributes to the movement of the plug in the water.

Sinking plugs

These are excellent for deep water fishing, wherein the retrieve can start soon as the preferred depth is reached. This is accomplished by counting down before one starts the retrieval process. Therefore, the same depth will be reached whenever one casts. The distance that the lure has sunk down in a particular time, will give a suggestion of how deep or how far down the fish are situated when they strike; thus this is called the sink rate of the lure.

Soft baits

This is soft rubber bait that comes in various shapes and forms, with matching sizes and colors. These are commonly used for sea and fresh water fishing, which can be used on a weighted jig head handled in the same manner as the jerk bait, being managed as a plug is used.

Jerk baits

Having no movement of its own when in the water, the angler gives life to this lure; whenever the rod trembles or shakes or jerks, this lure can appear to have life. This lure for the most part, mimics an injured or wounded fish that the prey fish find tempting, and be compelled to thrust or lunge at.

One of the first things you must do to plan a great fishing trip is to identify your priorities. You need to be more specific than just saying you want great fishing. Great fishing may mean different things to each person in your fishing party.

One person might be happy with catching 20 fish per day, while another might be expecting 30 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.

Let's take a look at some of the most important things to consider when deciding where to go on your fishing trip.

What type of fish do you want to catch?

While this may seem obvious, it is something that needs to be discussed. One person may want to fish for walleye and northern pike, while others may want to go bass fishing. Since many northern lakes have water too cold for bass, you may end up at a lake that would really disappoint the bass fisherman.

Do you want tons of action? Or trophy fish?

Some anglers simply enjoy catching lots of fish (most any size) with the hope of getting a few big ones. Other fishermen would rather give up catching a large quantity of fish for a better chance at catching the biggest fish they can find. You need to decide which is more important to your fishing group... lots of fish that maybe aren't the biggest or fewer fish but a greater chance of a really big one.

It should be noted that there are many places where you can do both... catch lots of fish and get some big ones. But, these tend to be at the more remote and pricey lodges and are not always feasible for many fishing groups.

How are you going to catch your fish?

Do you like to troll? Or drift? Fish in streams? Deep water fish?

We've seen people trolling in 60 feet of water thinking the fish were only a few feet from the surface. Not much chance of catching anything this way. Be sure you know the type of fishing your group prefers and that the lake will offer it.

What do you want to spend for this fishing trip?

The price you're willing to pay will have a great impact on the type of fishing trip you'll have.

Be realistic. How much do you really want to spend? Are you comfortable in a tent or tar-paper shack on a lake with great fishing?

Or would you prefer staying at a more upscale fishing lodge?

Do you want to cook for yourself... or do you want the fishing camp to do the cooking?

And what about shower facilities? Are you willing to use a community shower or do you want a private shower and bath in your own cabin. Gentlemen, if you're taking your spouse on this trip, make absolutely sure you consider this one! If you don't, it could spoil an otherwise great trip.

Other considerations are how long the trip will be and the type of fish you are looking to catch. A trip to a fishing lodge on a lake with pan fish and bass will likely be much cheaper that a trip to Alaska or Northern Canada for arctic char.

So, if you really want a great fishing trip, start by planning just exactly what you want out of the trip and how much you are willing to spend. Do it right and you can have the fishing trip of a lifetime.

There is something about fishing for trout that reminds me of my favorite vacations. Nothing is quite as relaxing and mentally stimulating at the same time. I'll never forget my first image of what fly fishing for trout is really like. The movie “A River Runs Through It” takes place in Montana. It follows the lives of two brothers who fly fish their local streams in Montana with their father. It was not long after my father took me to see that movie that we took our first trip out west. Being from Florida, I loved being on the open water and fishing for Red Fish or Snapper with a spin casting rod and reel. Having done this most of my life, I was intimidated by the images I had seen on the big screen. I was not sure I could learn a new art of fishing that looked so fluid.

Montana is a wonderful state that is about as large as California and has 1/30th of the population. I had never seen such wide open spaces. Wintertime skiing in Montana had been my only experience out there, and it was a completely different experience. We stayed in Big Sky and traveled all around that area in search of the best spots. Luckily we had a native Montanan with us who had fished the state since childhood. He knew every hot spot like the back of his hand. All I had to do was learn the new art of fly fishing.

We set out to a prairie that had a river on it that meandered like something you've seen on a postcard. This was after the three mile hike in from the road that started with a sign reading “Beware of grizzly bears”. To start out, I had loaded my line with a Mepps lure so that I did not have worry about bait while I practiced. To cast you let out a couple of feet of slack and also hold a couple of feet of line in your free hand. Wave the rod forward and back with mainly just your wrist, you get the feel for the weight of the rod and the line. While doing this you just search the opposite bank for some still water. Trout love to wait in the still water for food to pass by with the current. Then you simply cast just upstream from the still inlet that you spotted releasing the extra line that is in your free hand to extend the cast. By letting the current do the work you can dangle the lure near the hole to entice the trout. It takes less time than you think to master fishing with a fly rod and you quickly learn that finding the right spot is the difficult part that comes with years of practice.

Fishing with a fly hook is not much different, but floats on the water. It can get frustrating and first and if you find your self with an empty creel, just ask a local where Loveland Pass is. This is a small lake that is stocked with trout. It's got a great view of the mountains and it is just off of the highway. It's a local secret and you can catch as many fish as you desire.